Dominick Reyes eyes second UFC title shot with UFC 327 win

The light heavyweight contender believes the timing is right to earn another championship opportunity.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A dynamic, neon-colored expressionist painting depicting the intense physical movements and energy of two MMA fighters engaged in a light heavyweight bout, their identities obscured by the vibrant brushstrokes.The explosive energy and raw physicality of the light heavyweight title fight contenders will be on full display as Dominick Reyes seeks to regain his relevancy in the division.Today in Miami

Dominick Reyes is looking to bounce back into the win column at UFC 327 against Johnny Walker. Reyes believes a victory will put him in position to earn a second shot at the UFC light heavyweight title, especially with the main event title fight happening on the same card. Reyes is motivated by the recent birth of his son and feels physically and mentally stronger than ever.

Why it matters

Reyes' first title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 247 in 2020 was a closely contested bout, and many felt Reyes should have been awarded the victory. A win over Walker would put Reyes back in title contention in the light heavyweight division, which is currently without a champion after Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg fight for the vacant belt.

The details

Reyes (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) is currently ranked No. 10 in the light heavyweight division, while Walker (22-9 MMA, 8-6 UFC) is ranked No. 14. Reyes is on a three-fight winning streak and believes a victory over Walker will make him 'relevant' again in the title picture, especially with the title fight happening on the same card. Reyes lost his first title shot against Jon Jones by unanimous decision in 2020, but the result was heavily debated. After that, Reyes went on to lose his next three fights before taking time off. When he returned in 2024, he won three straight fights before losing to Ulberg in September 2025.

  • Reyes earned his first UFC title shot against Jon Jones at UFC 247 in 2020.
  • After losing to Jones, Reyes went on to lose his next three fights.
  • Reyes returned in 2024 and won three straight fights before losing to Ulberg in September 2025.
  • Reyes' son was born in December 2025.

The players

Dominick Reyes

A light heavyweight fighter in the UFC with a professional record of 15-5. Reyes previously challenged for the UFC light heavyweight title against Jon Jones in 2020.

Johnny Walker

A light heavyweight fighter in the UFC with a professional record of 22-9. Walker is currently ranked No. 14 in the UFC light heavyweight division.

Jiri Prochazka

A light heavyweight fighter in the UFC who is set to fight for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327.

Carlos Ulberg

A light heavyweight fighter in the UFC who is set to fight for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327.

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What they’re saying

“I was on a three-fight win streak, I win this one, it'll be four out of the last five – pretty damn good. The cool thing about fighting on the title fight card is it's like a relevancy thing, you know? We live in a world of 'what have you done for me lately,' and everything is kind of like short-term memory.”

— Dominick Reyes, UFC Fighter

“Definintely dad strength is hitting hard. I'm physcially strong than I've ever been and I'm fitter than I've been in my last four fights, so, that's really exciting. But like I said, dad strength comes not just physical strength, but mental strength as well.”

— Dominick Reyes, UFC Fighter

What’s next

If Reyes defeats Walker at UFC 327, he will likely be in line for a title shot against the winner of the main event between Prochazka and Ulberg.

The takeaway

Dominick Reyes is determined to earn another shot at the UFC light heavyweight title, and he believes the timing is right with the title fight happening on the same card as his bout against Johnny Walker. Reyes is motivated by the birth of his son and feels physically and mentally stronger than ever, putting him in a great position to make another run at the championship.